What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative disorders are the result of extreme sustained childhood abuse, usually before the age of ten, although those with developmental disorders may have a different window of time.

According to the theory of structural dissociation, the brain has not fully formed a cohesive personality before you hit around ten or so. When a child is so busy trying to survive abuse that they cannot even form a sense of self, they can develop a dissociative disorder.

DID is not the only dissociative disorder, but it's the most well-known. It's used as a horror trope, from modern media like Split to the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

There is a popular belief on social medias like Tumblr and TikTok that you can have DID or have alters without trauma. DID is formed from CPTSD (a complex form of PTSD) in early childhood. There is no way to have DID without trauma. There is no way to have alter personalities without a dissociative disorder-- specifically DID and sometimes OSDD.

Those who claim to have alters without trauma call themselves "endogenics" and call real systems "traumagenics." They often coin "origins" of "plurality" along with pride flags, like a disorder MOGAI. While we have no issue with xenogenders and neopronouns (some of us use them), making flags for and making light of a disorder is disgusting.

Our disorder is not a game. It is not fun times with friends in your head. (Endos also love to focus on the alter aspect of DID and ignore the other symptoms.)

Tulpamancers claim to have alters ("tulpas") without trauma because of spirituality. The term originates from Tibetan Buddhism, where tulpamancy is a closed practice done by very experienced monks. However, the term has been appropriated online. Now people use it to mean they can create an alter by "forcing" their personalities to split or calling on spirits to possess them. We personally don't believe in this kind of spirituality, but we do take issue with the appropriation.

Dissociative Disorders Overview - Mayo Clinic

DID - National Library of Medicine

Understanding DID - McLean Hospital

If you're interested in learning more, we encourage you to research! (From reputable sources, of course.)